Storm Aftermath

Good morning!

 

It seems as though we missed the really bad part of Isaac.  Folks in South Louisiana and Mississippi are having problems with flooding, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

 

I did not get much tatting done yesterday.  It was a bit cooler so I took out my crochet project (which is wool) and worked on it.

 

Jim, Jocie & I got out in the Jeep for a bit to check out the local damage, but it wasn't as bad as predicted.  We donated some items and helped at a local storm shelter before heading home.

 

Jocelin will be returning to school today before the long Labor Day holiday weekend.  I'll be busy in the yard- picking up fallen limbs, raking up debris, and assessing the damage to our garden.  Well, I will if the rain lets up.  We are still getting a gentle, yet steady rain.  I plan to spend the weekend tatting as much as possible and getting the Blogversary winners' goodies packaged and ready to ship.  Hope you have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend!  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!



Tropical Storm Isaac

Good morning, dear readers!

 

Just wanted you to know that we are fine up here.  Please keep the folks down in south Louisiana and Mississippi in your thoughts & prayers.  I will be busy volunteering at a local shelter for storm victims and hoping that things do not get too bad up here.  More tatting will be coming soon!!!

 

Congratulations to the blogversary giveaway winners, again.  I will get your goodies in the mail after the Labor Day holiday.

 

May you all be safe and until I can post again~

Happy Tatting!



Blogversary Winners!!!

Good morning, dear readers!

 

Straight to business this morning- here are the winners:

 

 

 

 

Nautical Dreams-

tattrlady

who wrote: Your three packages are all lovely with very enticing pieces in each one. But after looking over (*drooling*) each carefully I keep being drawn back to #1, "Nautical Dreams." I'm partial to turquoisy colors and turquoise is the old-fashioned birthstone of my birth month,December. I was also married in December and for our honeymoon we went to the beach and looked for seashells. This package just seems to contain so many things with meaning for me it would be absolutely wonderful to win it.
Congratulations on your blogversary!

 

Garden Delight-

Karey

who wrote:   Happy (blog) anniversary! Your generosity and the beauty of your tatting are inspirational! I'm not usually a pink person, but the colors of the buttons of "Garden dreams" speak to me- I could see using them in a button project... and size 5 thread always says "bookmark" to me!

 

 

Autumn Longing-

Pati Blackwell

who wrote:  

I'm so glad you decided to "blog."
I enjoy your creations, and get motivated and inspired! It's difficult to choose which of your generous offerings I would like, but since Autumn is my favorite time of year, I would like to select Giveaway #3. Happy Blogversary and may you have many, many more.

 

 A huge thanks to all of my readers who follow the blog and comment!  You help to keep me going.  Many thanks to all who entered.  I truly love tatting, blogging and sharing my creative journey with you all!

 

Winners, please be so kind as to contact me with your particulars.  I will ship your goodies ASAP- which may be early next week due to Hurricane Isaac and the Labor Day holiday.  Thanks for your patience and understanding.

 

I am off to secure the chickens, bring in the dogs, batten down the hatches and hopefully tat away while the storm rages.  If you do not hear from me tomorrow or later this week, please do not worry.  We may be without power, but I'm hoping for the best.  Until tomorrow or whenever I can post again~

Happy Tatting!



Preparing for a Huricane

Good morning, dear readers.

 

It seems as though Louisiana is in for another huricane.  Isaac is heading our way.  Fortunately, I live in the northern part of Louisiana, so all we will probably get is lots of rain, some high winds and perhaps a flash flood in some areas.  I hope that those who live in the south Louisiana are safe and do not suffer much damage.

 

I did not get a whole lot done in the Atelier yesterday as I was concerned about the huricane and wanted to prepare for whatever may be heading our way.  I did get the next round done on the acorn inspired motif:

 

 

I went back and tatted another round underneath the ICR foundation.  The next step will be to add additional rounds to the outer swirls.

 

I did manage to get all of the beautiful white mums Jim gave me potted.  They are so pretty- I hope the coming storm won't shred them to pieces!

 

 

Doesn't this inspire you to tat something frothy and fluffy?  It makes me want to tat a piece with tons of picots.

 

This is the last day to leave a comment on the Blogversary Celebration Giveaway post!  Winners will be announced tomorrow- good luck.

 

Well, I have got to check my emergency supplies and do a grocery store run.  Have a great day and be sure to check the blog tomorrow to see who the lucky giveaway winners are.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 



Corney Lake Adventure

Good morning, dear readers!

 

I had a fantastic weekend.  Jim took Friday off just for us to have some special time together.  We took Jocelin to school, then headed out on a Jeep adventure.

 

Tucked into the gently rolling, Piney Woods of North Louisiana is a state wildlife area called Corney Lake.  Horrible name, yes, but it is an absolutely gorgeous area.  The lake is surrounded by cypress trees that butt up to the Piney Woods I so adore.  We saw several whitetail deer, a huge swamp rabbit, several cranes and herons. 

 

 

This is the quiet spot close to the fishing dock where I tatted a while.

 

The logging roads around the wildlife preserve are great for playing in my little Jeep.  We meandered along these roads all morning. 

 

 

About lunchtime, we happened upon a clearing and had our picnic.  It was so relaxing!  After lunch our adventure continued.  There were loads of wildflowers blooming and along some of the trails there were these interesting puffy flowers:

 

 

I haven't had any luck identifying it in my Louisiana wildflowers book.  Any ideas?

 

Jim and I spent the rest of the afternoon playing in the Jeep, then headed home.  We did get caught in a shower- not exactly something you want to do when the top is off your Jeep!  After wrestling the hardtop back on, the rain quit.  Typical. 

 

Jim had another surprise planned for me.  We cleaned up and went out for dinner at our favorite restaurant.  Yes, Friday was AMAZING!

 

Saturday, the bead order finally arrived.  I was up to my eyeballs in Swarovskis, cultured pearls, Czech and Japanese seed beads, and jewelry findings.  The remainder of the weekend was spent organizing and laying out my work for the week ahead.

 

 

Well, I had better get busy.  The Atelier is very well stocked and work is waiting.  Have a marvelous day and remember:

 

Leave a comment on the Blogversary Celebration Giveaway post indicating which prize package you prefer before August 29th!  The winners will be announced on the blog that morning.

 

Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 



Motif & Jeep Play Date

Good morning, dear readers!

 

It is a glorious day in the Piney Woods and I plan to tat, go topless and play in the Jeep!

 

For those who aren't "Jeep Freaks"- that means you take the top off your Jeep & go 4 wheelin' in the woods.  Yep, Big Daddy has today off and we are dropping the kid off at school then heading to the woods for a day of off road fun.  Of course, I'll have my tatting with me to work on after our picnic lunch.

 

Here is the next step in the acorn inspired motif:

 

 

What do you think of it so far?  More layered tatting will be added today and over the weekend.  Check out Monday's post for the finished piece!

 

Have you commented on the Blogversary Celebration Giveaway post yet?  Be sure to let me know which prize you prefer.  Winners will be announced on the August 29th blogpost.  Good luck!

 

Guess I had better go help Jim take the top off the Jeep and finish packing our picnic lunch.  Have a wonderful day & weekend!  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Crunchy Acorns

Good morning, dear readers!

 

It is so nice to feel human again!!!  My head no longer aches and I can finally breathe- aah... relief.

 

As I was walking in the backyard yesterday, each step was accompanied by a very crunchy sound.  When I looked down, I discovered that the ground was absolutely littered with tiny green acorns.  They usually don't fall quite this early.  Still, I couldn't resist picking some up and admiring them.  I went back to the Atelier and tatted this motif:

 

 

I used size 12 Valdani pearl cotton in M80 and a few vintage beige Czech seed beads.  The motif began with 4 ICRs and has an anchoring round tatted about it for additional layered tatting- which I will be working on today. 

 

 

Here it is again turned a bit differently.  What do you think I should call this one?  And- what do you think I should put in the center for an accent?  Hmmm... lots to think about.

 

If you have not left a comment indicating which prize package you'd like on the Blogversary Celebration Giveaway post, please do so soon as the winners will be announced here on August 29th, 2012!!!

 

Since I'm feeling so much better, I think I'll put on my running shoes and take the dogs for a run in the woods before getting down to tatting business in the Atelier.  Hope you have a great day!  Until Friday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 



Allergy Season

Good morning, dear readers.

It is that time of year when goldenrod and ragweed start blooming and giving me fits.  I had to drag myself to the pharmacy and get a couple of prescriptions filled.  At least I feel a bit better now!  Maybe I will actually get some tatting done today.   

Yesterday was spent doing the boring Atelier task of sifting through the beads, pearls, Swarovskis & jewelry findings.  I've put together a couple of supply orders and will place them later today.  I found some wonderful Czech seed beads to go with the new Valdani Luxury Pearl Silks.  And I hope to find some interesting dyed cultured pearls for more brooches and pendants.  It all depends upon what my pearl supplier has in stock.  I'm considering ordering a couple strands of baroque shaped pearls- they may make good focal points for necklaces & earrings.

REMEMBER: WINNERS OF THE BLOGVERSARY CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE BLOG AUGUST 29TH!!!  LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE GIVEAWAY BLOGPOST INDICATING WHAT YOUR CHOICE WOULD BE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN.  GOOD LUCK!

Well, I am heading to the Atelier.  I hope to have a couple of things to share with you tomorrow.  Have a great day & until then~

Happy Tatting!



New Silks

Good morning!  I received my latest Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk order yesterday.  As always, they are just fabulous!  I had almost run out of my favorite S49 (Subtle Elegance).  Here is an image of three colors I've not shared with you before:

S9 "Herb Garden, S93 "Silver Foam" and JP1 "Sunwashed"

They are all gorgeous and I cannot wait to tat with them!

I did not tat much yesterday due to severe allergy/sinus problems.  I'm hoping for a better day in the Atelier today.  At the very least, I plan to place a new seed & rocaille bead order, as well as a jewelry finding order.  I've got to have supplies for an upcoming trunk show of my art.

Be sure to leave a comment on the Blogversary Celebration Giveaway post indicating which prize package you prefer as the winners will be selected on August 29th, 2012!!!

Well, I'm off to the Atelier.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Weekend Ramblings

Good morning, dear readers!  I hope you had an enjoyable weekend.  Other than battling a major sinus headache, mine was rather peaceful and somewhat productive.

Remember those gorgeous bronze mums Jim gave me last week?  I rolled my large thread cart to the porch on Saturday and sifted through my Valdani pearl cottons.  One was very close to the color of my mums- O 217.  And it has the most wonderful name- "Yummy Pumpkin"!  Anyway, I pulled out a ball of this color and tatted this motif:

I will expand this motif into a larger pendant and post the end result later in the week.  The Swarovski bicones I need to finish it are still on order and are supposed to be here Monday or Tuesday.  Let's keep our fingers crossed that they actually arrive as they were originally scheduled for delivery last week!

I did get a little bit more done on the Glamour necklace, a touch more on the mystery project, and am playing with a potential free earring pattern.  Thanks to the sinus headache, I did not get as much done as I had hoped, but at least I did manage to get a fair amount accomplished.

Have you left a comment on the Blogversary Celebration Giveaway post?  The winners- all 3 of them- will be announced on the blog Wednesday, August 29th, 2012.  Be sure to let me know which prize package you like best & good luck!

Well, I need to put my running shoes on, take Jocie to school, go for a run with the dogs and head to the Atelier.  Hope you have a great day full of tatting enjoyment.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

Ready for Fall

Good morning!

I had a lovely day in the Atelier and front porch yesterday!  I figured out the basic counts for the foundation of a new mystery piece and started it.  Here is a little peek at the very beginning:

This will be tatted to about 20", then more layers of tatting will be added.  I have a way to go!  So, what do you think it will be???

The evening brought a very pleasant surprise.  My darlin' Jim brought me a couple of gorgeous bronze mum plants!  I love mums!!!  Especially bronze and white!  Mums always make me long for Fall.  I'm ready for the cool, crisp Autumn days.

After I potted these beauties, I spent some time straightening up the porch and watering all of the plants.  I do believe I'll roll the Valdani thread cart out to the porch and sift through the colors to tat something inspired by my bronze mums this weekend!

 Be sure to leave a comment on the Blogversary Celebration Giveaway post for your chance to win one of the three prizes!  Winners will be announced on August 29th, 2012.  Good luck!

Well, I am off to the Atelier for a couple of hours before I have to run errands.  Have a great day and a fantastic weekend.  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!



Bits & Bobs

Good morning!  I am looking forward to a full day of tatting and hopefully figuring out the best stitch counts for a couple of prototypes. 

The Glamour necklace is coming along slowly, but it is one of those that takes lots of patience and hours of tatting.  I'm still fiddling with the larger center motif- it is challenging to get this bugger figured out so it hangs right.  Eventually, I'll get it right.

One of the other motifs I've been playing with is this one of varying sized ICRs:

Love this Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk shade (S534)!

I also got out the pearls, Swarovskis & vintage crystal beads yesterday afternoon.

This will be the base for an Autumn themed Eternity pendant.  Any ideas for a name?  By the way, the brown beads are recycled from a vintage crystal necklace.  Aren't they a nice cognac color!

Have you left your comment on the Blogversary Celebration Giveaway post?  Please do so before August 29th, 2012!  Good luck.

This morning I will be working on another idea that popped into my head last night.  I'm not sure if it is going to be a bracelet, necklace, collar or something else.  Maybe I'll have something to show you tomorrow.  Well, I'd better get busy.  I'm burning daylight!

Have a wonderful day & until Friday~

Happy Tatting!



Good Day in the Atelier

Good morning!  Yesterday was a good day in the Atelier.  I made quite a bit of progress on several pieces.  The Glamour necklace is coming along nicely, as well as a number of vintage brooches that I'm enhancing with tatting and pearls. 

Here is an image of one of the components of the Glamour necklace:

I'm adding in a row of tatting using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in my favorite colorway S49- "Subtle Elegance".  After I get the rest of the little motifs done, I'll go back and add champagne pearls and seed beads with additional tatting.

It would be nice if FedEx would get here with my pearl and Swarovski order today!  I hate it when one item is backordered and it holds up an entire order.  Oh, well, it's not as though I do not have plenty of projects lined-up & waiting.

Have you left your comment on the Blogversary Giveaway post?  Be sure to before August 29th, 2012, as the winners will be announced on the blog that morning!

Well, I'm off to the Atelier to tat and make out another thread order.  May you have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Back to School Frenzy

Good morning, dear readers!  I am afraid that I do not have much to show you in the way of tatting today.  There are a number of prototypes I'm currently playing with, but they are not quite ready for sharing. 

 As a matter of fact, I got thoroughly ticked-off and cut one up into teensy, tinsy little giblets.  It is now decorating the wastebin in the Atelier.  Yep, every now & then I have a day of massive tatting frustration.

After an unproductive morning in the Atelier, Jocelin and I went in search of the last school supplies on her lists. She was also in "need" of new make-up before the official classroom days start.  Prices sure have gone up!!!  Of course, she has sensitive skin (like me) so we can't buy the drugstore variety.  It is good that we only do this a couple of times a year.

Have you commented on the Blogversary Giveaway post?  Have you let me know which prize package you prefer?  If not, be sure to because 3 winners will be selected on August 29th, 2012!

Well, I certainly hope to have more to show you tomorrow.  Let's hope my tatting mojo roars back to life and I get those pesky prototypes to co-operate!  May you have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Blogversary Giveaway Detail Images

I know the images of the prizes were not the best, but I just wanted to get the event up and going as promised on Saturday!  Sunday afternoon was nice & overcast here, so I took more images of the loot for your enjoyment.  Here are the detail shots for each prize:

Nautical Dream-

This little notebook is so cute!  I love the pink shades on the shells.  The Valdani pearl cotton reminds me of an exotic sea.

I tried to get a good shot of the button, but it was being difficult!  It is a lovely light turquoisy (I know that's not a word, but...) color with pink/lavender flashes.  The Tokyo Milk soap smells wonderful!

Thread close-up.

Lovely vintage buttons.  I adore the pink shells!

"Calm" Lollia luxury handcreme- what could be more perfect for this package?!?

Garden Delight-

I love to work with purples, pinks & greens.  These colors are what I gravitate toward in my Spring flowerbeds.  The Valdani pearl cotton picks up the shades nicely.

A little Tokyo Milk soap & Czech art glass button.  This is glass, but it almost looks like it is inlaid with shell.

Thread detail.

A variety of vintage pink buttons.

"Imagine" Lollia luxury handcreme- I hope it sparks your imagination!

Autumn Longing-

Paris is so romantic.  So is the Valdani pearl cotton.  "Robin's Nest" is a color I've used for years.  I never tire of it's beauty.

This Czech art glass button is very flashy!  The little Tokyo Milk soap is enchanting.

Thread worthy of any Paris catwalk!

Red, light golden yellow & peachy vintage buttons.

"Classic Petal" Lollia luxury handcreme- ooh-la-la!

I hope you now have a better view of the prizes up for grabs!  I tried to put each prize package together so that there would be something for everyone in this event.

Everyone can use a little notebook to tuck in their tatting bag or purse.  I've included several of my favorite threads for you to try, along with Czech art glass buttons and vintage buttons.  The little Tokyo Milk soaps are small and just right for traveling.  But the extra special goody is the Lollia luxury handcreme.  This is my favorite handcreme!  I use it several times daily.  It absorbs quickly and does not leave a residue on my hands.  In my opinion, it is the perfect loition for tatters!

To enter the event, please leave a comment on Saturday's blogpost saying which prize you prefer and why.  I am keeping a running list of who prefers each prize.  The winner of each prize package will be selected via random number generator on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012, and subsequently announced on the blog that morning.

Good luck!!!

Well, I'm off to the Atelier.  I didn't get much accomplished in the way of tatting this weekend, but hope to have something pretty to share with you tomorrow.  Have a wonderful day & until then~

Happy Tatting!



Blogversary Celebration Giveaway!

Dear readers,

August 29th will be the one year anniversary of my blogging adventure.  Over this past year, I have learned to love my weekday blogging routine.  It was a bit scary at first, but now, I feel the need to blog each day before getting down to the nitty gritty work in the Atelier.  Many thanks to all who have encouraged me, commented on the blog and participated in previous blog events.  Thank you for sharing my creative adventure!  I look forward to sharing MANY more.

To celebrate this milestone, I have decided to host a Blogversary Giveaway with 3 prizes!!!

Here is prize package number 1 "Nautical Dreams":

This prize package consists of:  a nice small notebook with a seashell image on the pages, 3 cards of vintage buttons (one card is of pink scallop shell buttons), 1 square Czech art glass button, 1 ball of size 8 Valdani pearl cotton (color M24), 1 skein of size 5 DMC pearl cotton (color 4030), 1 skein Caron Wildflowers thread (color 067),  a small bar of Tokyo Milk soap, and a small tube of Lollia handcreme in the "Calm" fragrance.

Prize package number 2 is "Garden Delight":

This prize consists of a lovely floral themed notebook, 3 cards of pink vintage buttons, a Czech art glass button, 1 ball of size 12 Valdani pearl cotton (color M1002), 1 skein of DMC size 5 pearl cotton (color 4210), 1 skein of Caron Wildflowers Thread (color 066), a small bar of Tokyo Milk soap and a small tube of Lollia handcreme in the "Imagine" scent.

"Autumn Longings" is prize package number 3:

A small notebook with a Paris theme is included in this prize package along with: 3 cards of vintage buttons, a gorgeous Czech art glass button, 1 ball of size 12 Valdani pearl cotton (color M97), 1 skein of size 5 DMC pearl cotton (color 4130), 1 skein of Caron Wildflowers Thread (color 095), a small Tokyo Milk soap, and a small tube of Lollia handcreme in the "Classic Petal" scent.

AND...

I will also include a special tatted surprise with each package!!!

How to enter:

Leave a comment on this blogpost indicating which package you prefer and why.  One winner for each package will be selected via random number generator early on the morning of August 29th, 2012, and subsequently announced on that morning's blogpost.

I will try to post some detailed images of the goodies in some of this next week's posts as I'm rather pressed for time this weekend.  (LOTS to do before school starts!)

Good luck and thank you, again, for sharing my fiber art escapades!

Happy Tatting!



Back Views

As requested:

Here is the back side of some of my pieces- 2 circle style brooches and 2 cameos.

This is the flip side of the "Shades of Bark" brooch featured earlier this week.

Working in between navettes is easy.  One can really cinch the work in neatly with practice.

This is the back side of "Eustacia".  As she has an exceptionally tightly spaced filligree rope setting, it was difficult to add beads and tatting to her in the initial rounds.  It took a number of hours to dress this lady!

For those who were curious, I hope this helps you better visualize how to add accents to vintage brooches.  I look forward to hearing from those who give it a go!

This is going to be a CRAZY day for me!!!  I'm taking Jocelin and her best friend (who is also her cousin) out for a day of shopping and "fun".  They will shop 'til I drop and probably make the pizza joint regret their "all-you-can-eat" lunch buffet.  Wish me luck and patience as I face the day.  I plan to pick up the last few goodies for the blogversary prizes today, too. 

Be sure to check back this weekend for the blogversary announcement!

Well, I am off to the Atelier before the insanity begins.  Until this weekend~

Happy Tatting!



Working with Vintage Brooches

Good morning, dear readers!  I have received several inquiries about the vintage brooches I add tatting to and decided to do a post that will, hopefully, answer most of your questions.

Selection of a Brooch:

Selecting a brooch that is "workable" is key.  The brooch needs to have spaces and places to anchor tatting and beading.  The pin back also needs to be sturdy, in good working order and it must not impede the adding of accents.  Some brooches are attached with a V-type support and these can interfere with anchoring spots.  Examine the brooch very carefully- are the rhinestones prong set or glued in?  Are the stones loose?  Are any missing?  Take into careful consideration the overall condition and quality of the piece. 

For those who do not know, I adore vintage costume jewelry- especially Juliana, Regency & Weiss pieces.  Juliana pieces are not marked, but are easily discerned by their superior quality of stones, prong settings and distinctive mountings.  Tara pieces are often mistaken for Juliana, but usually feature the V-type pin backs and are not quite as fine in quality (IMHO).  Regency & Weiss pieces are usually marked.  Do your own research and discover what appeals to you.  Visit an antique/junque shop and peruse the costume jewelry.  I take a jeweler's loupe with me and examine each piece in minute detail.  After examination, I then determine if the price is fair or if I feel it is over or under priced.  Is is worth the asking price?  Use your judgment and select what you like that is workable.

Thread & Accents for a Brooch:

Most of you probably have a bead and thread stash.  Take the brooch and place it near your stashes.  Determine what thread and accents you wish to use.  Be adventurous- try adding pearls and other beads to the brooch.  You never know what you may come up with!

Adding Tatting & Accents to a Brooch:

Take your time and look at your brooch.  Determine how you want it to look and where your best anchor points are.  Adding tatting and accents/beads to a brooch is quite easy for needle tatters, but can be more difficult when using a shuttle.  I typically begin in the center and work out, but in some instances, it is best to save the center accents for last.  Start where you feel the design starts- I know this is ambiguous, but, that's how I do it.  Continue working on the piece until you are satisfied with the results.  I have been known to wear a brooch with accents for a week or even years, then I just up and remove all the accents and add new ones.  The point is to enjoy it & have fun.

Here is a lovely purple Juliana brooch I've had in my stash for a while that I decided to accent:

It is a small star brooch that is being accented with ruffled tatting using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S 541 (Mauve Orchid).  I'm considering adding lavender freshwater pearls and deep purple velvet colored Swarovskis to it.  I'll just see how it looks after I get all of the larger rhinestones surrounded with ruffle work before I make my final decision.

I hope that this has provided you with a bit more insight to my creative process concerning the brooches.  Let me know if any of you give it a try! 

Well, the Atelier is waiting with lots of projects.  The "Glamour" necklace needs more components tatted & beaded, the Juliana brooch needs work, and I have a gorgeous green Regency brooch awaiting embellishment.  So much to do...

May you have a marvelous day filled with creativity!

Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Glamour Necklace Beginnings

Yesterday was SO busy!  It seemed to fly by with everything that was on the agenda.  I hardly had any tatting time in the Atelier- which usually makes me very cranky.  Here is a look at some of the beginning tatted components of the "Glamour" necklace I'm working on:

I'm using size 12 Valdani Pearl Cotton in color O 545 (Primitive White).  Accents include Swarovski crystal AB bicones and silver beige Czech seed beads.  More tatting will be added to these components using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S 49 (Subtle Elegance) and a champagne freshwater pearl will be added to the center.  Stay tuned for further progress reports.  This one may take a while!

Jocelin will be starting school next week (her virtual classes start on Monday, regular classroom classes on Friday) and we've been gathering school supplies, buying clothes and getting everything ready.  I thought it was hectic when we homeschooled, but getting a teenager ready for school is WILD!!!

  I must say, the patron saint research has been very interesting.  There are lots of design ideas swirling around in my head and I am doing my best to write everything down in my design journals.

Well, I had better get myself in gear and head to the Atelier.  I plan to tat as much as possible today- hope your day is a great one!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Shades of Bark Brooch

Here is a sneak peek at an original piece from my upcoming Camo Couture collection:

This piece began with a vintage Juliana rhinestone brooch and was enhanced with a couple of outer rounds of tatting in size 8 Valdani Pearl Cotton (color O 548) followed by a ring of champagne colored freshwater pearls and tatting using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S 780.  "Shades" will be available in the Atelier shoppe in late September, along with all of the other original OOAK pieces in the Camo Couture collection.

Many thanks to the readers who kindly provided me with some wonderful links about patron saints!  I am in the process of researching the saints and hunting for antique/vintage/unusual patron saint religious medals to incorporate into an upcoming design collection.  If anyone has any suggestions or comments, I always welcome them!

On the agenda today: more work on a special project, blogversary plotting & planning, patron saint research, networking with my antique dealer friends & pattern writing.  Hope your day is full of tatting enjoyment!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Lacemaking Saints

Dear readers, I need to ask you a question- do you know of any patron saints of lacemaking?  I am working on a design that will incorporate religious medals and would like to use patron saints of lacemaking and needlework.  The only one I know of is St. Catherine of Alexandria.  I'm sure there are others.  Also, where is a good online site to purchase religious medals- preferrably sterling silver?  Please leave a comment or click the contact me button to email me.  Thanks!

I have been putting together goodies for the upcoming blogversary giveaway.  The thing that I'm still mulling over is whether I should do each prize by color or theme.  Any thoughts?

We did not play in the Jeep much this weekend as Jim decided we had oodles of yard work and fall garden prep to take care of.  It was very dusty, hot & uncomfortable.  We put ice in the dogs' water bowls while we were outside & they really seemed to appreciate it.  Even though it was hot, Lily Fey had to help me hang out clothes, pull up dead plants & she even brought me a goody- her slobber covered tennis ball.  We played fetch until I was tired then retreated into the cool of the house.  I was basically worthless the rest of the day.

The one big thing I did do was to finish embellishing a vintage brooch for the Camo Couture collection (debuting in late Spetember or early October).  I also made progress on getting the patterns transcribed from my scribbling for the Romance of the Piney Woods Pattern Collection.  Patterns will be available later this month.

Sorry for the lack of images.  It was hot out & I was too lazy to get out in it more than was absolutely necessary.  I will have some new eye candy up on the blog tomorrow for your enjoyment.  Well, I'm off to the Atelier.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



FREE ICR FR Motif Pattern

As requested, here is the pattern to my ICR FR (interlocking chain-ring with floating ring) motif:

This motif is of 5 interlocking chain rings with a floating ring thrown off each ICR.  You will need 2 size 7 needles. The thread I'm using is Valdani size 8 pearl cotton in M21 "Treasures".   The counts for each ICR are as follows:

R 15 (FR 9 sm- med- sm- 9 cl) 15 CL

To begin the motif, cut a long length of thread with a needle at each end.  R 15 on needle one, then place needle two at the base of the ds on needle one and tat the counts for the floating ring.  Your work should look like this:

Now, run needle two through the stitches, snugging up the floating ring neatly.  Use your fingers to smooth it if necessary, finish tatting the remaining 15 ds on needle one.

Close the ICR and move on to the next.  Your work will look like this:

Again, the first 15 ds are on needle one; 9 sm- med- sm- 9 on needle two.  Close the floating ring as before, shaping it as you go.  Place the remaining 15 ds on needle one.

Close the ICR.

This is what your work will look like at this point.  Continue tatting the last three ICRs & voila.

I am planning to expand this motif into a pendant/brooch and will probably post it in a week or so.

Hope you enjoy this motif!

Well, I am off to run some errands before the weekend.  May you have a marvelous weekend full of tatting fun.  I will be playing in the woods in my Jeep for a bit, then I plan to tat away on some new motifs.  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!



Blogversary Prep

The one year anniversary of the blog is coming up!  I have been busy working on ideas for what to do.  Those who voted on the poll favored a "Special Surprise" followed by a tatted pendant.  With each junquing/antiquing trip, I am keeping my eyes open for goodies and treasures.  If there is something you would like to suggest, please leave a comment on this blogpost.  I have a couple of daytrips planned to some of my favorite shops next week and would greatly appreciate any little "hints" my dear readers care to let slip!

So far, I am planning to offer 3 prize packages.  Yes, packages- with multiple goodies!  I already have the first goody for each prize and plan to add more as I go.  

 

 The event will be announced on Saturday, August 11th, with full details on a special weekend blogpost.  The winners will be announced on Wednesday, August 29th- so mark your calendars!

Today I will be finishing up a pattern to share, taking images of the piece and putting up paint swatches in the Atelier.  Hope you have a fantastic day!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Atelier Renovations & More ICR FR

The Atelier is in need of a few renovations.  Our recent plumbing problem required a larger access hole which was, you guessed it, located on the main wall in the Atelier.  Jim is going to make a huge "inspiration board" to cover the hole.  It will be hinged so we can acccess the plumbing if  need be.  I am pleased with this, but since we are working on changing some things in there, I thought I'd paint the walls a new color and try to find the closet craft organizer I saw online a while back.  Do any of you, dear readers, know where to look for them?  I have searched at the home improvement websites and done general searches for craft organizers, but have not found the one I'm thinking of.  It had a couple of adjustable shelves, drawers and even a ribbon organizer to hang on the door.  There were several options you could get to change out to fit your needs.  I'm kicking myself for not pinning it or bookmarking it!

I have played some more with the ICRs with FRs (interlocking chain rings with floating rings). 

This work-in-progress will be a pendant and is tatted using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in "Earth" and light cream pearl Ornela seed beads.

Sorry, the light was such I couldn't get a good shot of this one.  It was tatted using Sulky Blendable size 12 quilting cotton in "Summer Grass" and has fancy lime rocaille accents.  This may end up being an earring design.

I am working on another pattern to post tomorrow or Friday- it all depends on how the tatting goes today.  May you have a wonderful day full of tatting fun.  I'm off to the paint section at Lowe's!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!